Publisher's Summary

Aaron Weiss knows how to escape. Years ago, he ran from a romantic disappointment and impulsively joined the Army. Now, he's forced to take a medical discharge, and readjusting to life at home proves a challenge.

Jesse Ross knows how to hide. He realizes he's an oddball, and that he's an outsider within his own family. He also knows his secret love since childhood, Aaron, only wants his good-looking, favored older brother. Yet Jesse could never completely abandon his intense feelings for Aaron. Over the years, Jesse was a faithful pen pal to him. Still, he's shocked to his core to find Aaron on his doorstep.

As long-buried secrets and past hurts take center stage, the two are overwhelmingly drawn to each other. But it's their future that may force them to risk everything.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I like this one better than the first, though I did enjoyed that one too. It had a nice build up with the past relationship. And no meet-cute (I say this as a good thing) though I guess it would be a remeet cute. Good low level angst.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Jesse's parents party where Aaron finally starts seeing things clearly. I also like that the characters from the other books are carrying on their lives in a "realistic" fashion. Things are changing for them even when they "off-screen" and their actions aren't necessarily effecting the main characters of the current book.

Any additional comments?

I liked both Jesse and Aaron (though at times I wanted to slap Aaron upside the head). They were sweet together. It's a nice romance with some family drama and angst. I did like that no everything was wrapped up in a perfect bow. BUT I do wish there had been a bit more resolution with Aaron's family at least. Aaron's mom put the s on mother. But she was sweet with him but then was SUCH a witch to Jesse, who'd already had enough parent issues. I would have like to see her eventually welcoming and apologizing to Jesse and seeing what jerks her "friends" were. But it's very nice read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

K.S.

18/11/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Sweet story, a little better than the average"

I like the fact that you accually feel like the MC are real peope with real problems. I especially liked the fact that the entire background story isnt told right upfront and as the story unfolds, you begin to get a better feel for the MC.Other than that it is also an ever-after lovestory.Worth a listen but not in my top tenNarrator fine.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Nimue

Alberta, Canada

11/11/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Overrated"

The publishers summary is misleading, making the book sound far more exciting than it is. This is not a book about risking anything. Jesse makes steps with his issues, but Aaron doesn't do anything. Overall, it's like eating marshmallows, sweet but no substance...

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Morgan A Skye

22/09/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great sequel and narration"

Aaron fell in love with Jesse’s brother when they were kids. When he didn’t return the sentiment Aaron fled, but has harbored the crush for all these years.

Meanwhile Jesse has had a crush on Aaron ever since he knew what it was to want another person.

While Aaron was in the military he and Jesse formed a strong friendship through the mail but still, Aaron harbors nothing more than a vague feeling of companionship for Jesse and a burning hot adoration for his brother.

One day, after Aaron is sent home from the military for a bad heart, he goes to visit Jesse and is surprised at the man Jesse has become.

Jesse, a loner from the beginning, has only become more of a recluse over time, doesn’t know what to do with his childhood crush. On the one hand he thinks he’s just as gorgeous as ever, but doesn’t know how to like someone who can “like” his huge jerk of a brother.

Finally – FINALLY – Aaron manages to see Jesse for the amazing man he is and to see the other crush he’s harbored all these years was nothing more than a mirage.

It looks like the couple is really going to make it work when Aaron’s medical troubles drive him to the hospital again. Aaron doesn’t want Jesse to be burdened with anyone less than perfect so he pushes Jesse away. Fortunately Jesse fights for Aaron, and after a brief, but tense period apart, Aaron pulls his head out and the two re-unite… forever.

**

In this book, Aaron (Dean’s friend) is nothing like you’d expect an ex-military man to be. In fact, Jesse is the tough one of the relationship.

I really enjoyed watching Jesse deal with his social anxiety and the support he got from Aaron. I also really liked that Jesse was NEVER a wimp. He put up a good fight and Aaron really had to work hard to convince him what they have is real.

The secondary characters, ie brother, parents, friends; were all very well thought out and really added to the realistic feel of the story. The sub-plot with Jesse’s family was fascinating. I could really feel his pain at being “the red-headed-step-child” of the family.

I enjoyed this book when I read it and Matt Baca did an excellent job with the audio. He did a nice vaguely Brooklyn accent when needed and it was clear who was speaking.

I give both the book and the audiobook 4.5 stars, I really enjoyed them!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Marte

Norway

20/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not as good as the first one"

Any additional comments?

*** 3 okay, then meh stars ***

Audio edition, narrator Matt Baca.7 hours 47 minutes

Overall: 3Performance: 4Story: 2

Sadly I didn't like this as much as the first one. It started out good, but the last 20% was not so good. It kinda ruined my impression of the book.

Narrator Matt Baca does a good job with this one too. I did hear one mistake, though. When Jesse looks at the old letters from Aaron early in the book, Baca says "Anthony's letters" instead of "Aaron's letter". Anthony is the main character from #1.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Alex

Hilo, HI United States

27/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Sweet and tender love story"

What can't real life be this good? Thank goodness for romance novels to escape into!

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

i_kday

21/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Nice"

Lovely story, Matt Baca has such a beautiful sexy voice, I want to listen to more stories with him as the narrator.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

HaloLove

6/02/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Matt Baca's performance...."

Any additional comments?

...was perfection in this story. It was great to meet Aaron and Jesse and for once a family did not have a complete happy ending and I appreciated that.

Aaron and Jesse together was amazing and I hope eventually there will be a wedding for those two.

Great story, lovely performance!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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